🎙️Art of the Interview Unit 14 – Digital Media Interview Trends

Key Concepts in Digital Media Interviews

• Digital media interviews encompass various formats and platforms (podcasts, video interviews, live streams)
• Asynchronous interviews allow for flexibility in scheduling and location
  • Interviewee can record responses on their own time
  • Interviewer can review and edit the content before publishing
• Synchronous interviews happen in real-time, either in-person or remotely (Zoom, Skype)
• Digital interviews enable reaching a wider audience through online distribution channels (YouTube, social media)
• Interactivity is a key feature, allowing audience engagement through comments, live chats, and Q&A sessions
• Digital interviews require technical proficiency in recording, editing, and publishing software and tools
• Accessibility considerations are crucial, such as providing transcripts, captions, and audio descriptions

Evolution of Interview Formats

• Traditional in-person interviews have been the standard for decades (face-to-face, studio settings)
• Telephone interviews gained popularity, allowing for remote interviews without visual cues
• Rise of internet and digital technologies transformed interview landscapes
• Podcasting emerged as a popular audio interview format in the early 2000s
  • Allows for in-depth, long-form conversations
  • Listeners can consume content on-demand and on-the-go
• Video interviews became more prevalent with the advent of affordable cameras and editing software
• Live streaming interviews gained traction, enabling real-time audience interaction (Twitch, Instagram Live)
• Virtual and augmented reality technologies are exploring new immersive interview experiences

Essential Tech and Tools

• High-quality microphones ensure clear audio capture (lavalier, shotgun, USB mics)
• Cameras with good resolution and low-light performance are crucial for video interviews
• Lighting equipment helps create professional-looking visuals (softboxes, ring lights)
• Stable internet connection is essential for remote interviews and live streaming
• Recording software allows for capturing audio and video (Audacity, OBS Studio)
• Editing tools enable refining and enhancing the interview content (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
  • Trimming, splicing, and rearranging segments
  • Adding graphics, transitions, and effects
• Hosting platforms provide a space to publish and distribute interviews (YouTube, Vimeo, SoundCloud)

Pre-Interview Prep in the Digital Age

• Research the interviewee's background, expertise, and recent work
• Prepare a list of questions and talking points, focusing on key themes and insights
• Test and familiarize yourself with the technology and tools you'll be using
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for conducting the interview
• Communicate with the interviewee about technical requirements and expectations
  • Provide instructions on setting up their equipment and environment
  • Discuss the interview format, duration, and any specific topics to cover
• Obtain necessary permissions and releases for recording and publishing the interview
• Promote the upcoming interview on social media and relevant platforms to generate interest

Conducting Interviews Remotely

• Establish a rapport with the interviewee through casual conversation before starting
• Test audio and video quality, ensuring both parties can see and hear each other clearly
• Use nonverbal cues, such as nodding and smiling, to show engagement and active listening
• Minimize interruptions and background noise on your end
• Have a backup plan in case of technical difficulties (alternative platforms, phone numbers)
• Record the interview using reliable software or built-in platform features
• Take notes during the interview to capture key points and follow-up questions
• Allow for pauses and silences, giving the interviewee time to think and respond

Adapting Interview Techniques for Digital Platforms

• Tailor questions and topics to the specific platform and audience
• Keep the interview engaging and visually appealing for video formats
  • Use graphics, images, and video clips to enhance the content
  • Incorporate interactive elements like polls or viewer questions
• Break up longer interviews into shorter, digestible segments for easy consumption
• Optimize audio quality for podcasts and audio interviews
  • Use a pop filter to reduce plosives and breath sounds
  • Apply noise reduction and equalization in post-production
• Leverage social media to promote the interview and engage with the audience
• Encourage viewers or listeners to leave comments, ask questions, and share the content

Post-Interview Processing and Distribution

• Review the recorded interview and select the most relevant and compelling parts
• Edit the content for clarity, pacing, and flow
  • Remove filler words, long pauses, and irrelevant tangents
  • Add transitions, graphics, and music to enhance the production value
• Create a transcript of the interview for accessibility and SEO purposes
• Write a compelling title, description, and tags to attract viewers or listeners
• Export the final interview in appropriate file formats and resolutions
• Publish the interview on your chosen platform or website
• Share the published interview on social media and relevant online communities
• Engage with the audience by responding to comments and feedback

Ethical Considerations in Digital Interviews

• Obtain informed consent from the interviewee before recording and publishing
• Disclose any sponsorships, affiliations, or conflicts of interest
• Respect the interviewee's privacy and boundaries
  • Avoid asking invasive or inappropriate questions
  • Allow them to decline answering specific questions
• Accurately represent the interviewee's words and context
  • Avoid selective editing that distorts their message
  • Provide context and clarifications when necessary
• Give proper attribution and credit to the interviewee and any sources mentioned
• Be mindful of sensitive topics and potential impacts on the interviewee and audience
• Adhere to platform guidelines and community standards regarding content and conduct
• Take responsibility for the interview's content and any consequences or feedback